NASA faces many challenges including re-shaping the NASA workforce to successfully meet changing mission requirements. In order to refocus the skill mix of our workforce to become more effectively aligned with current and anticipated funded work requirements, each Directorate has evaluated its workforce requirements and has identified eligible categories of positions that may be experiencing either a workforce surplus or that may be impacted by a possible reduction in work requirements and/or reduced funding in the immediate or near future. The eligible categories of positions are based entirely upon a combination of factors such as position competencies, position titles, geographic location, and/or grade levels. Goddard's Buyout/Early Out Incentive Plan has been approved.

The Office of Human Capital Management will send individual e-mails directly to eligible employees as expeditiously as possible. The e-mail will include an active link to the GSFC Buyout Information page on the HR Portal where eligible employees will be able to submit an electronic Buyout/Early Out Application. If you do not receive a direct e-mail, then your position is not included in a category of positions that is eligible for the current FY12 Buyout/Early Out window.

The Buyout/Early Out window will be open through Friday, July 20, 2012. Employees who are approved for the Buyout/Early Out must be off the rolls by October 3, 2012 and may retire/resign as early as August 1, 2012. Eligible employees who voluntarily leave GSFC by no later than October 3, 2012 with an approved buyout will receive an amount equal to their calculated severance pay entitlement, up to a maximum of $25,000. An overview of the Buyouts/Early Outs being offered is as follows:

If you have questions about the Buyout/Early Out process for eligible positions, there are Frequently Asked Questions available for review on the Office of Human Capital Management Website under Hot Topics (http://ohcm.gsfc.nasa.gov/Hot/home.htm ) or you can contact either Mr. Alan Hansen (301-286-3827) or Ms. Jolena Smith (301-286-4777) in the Office of Human Capital Management (OHCM) or contact the OHCM point of contact via e-mail at GSFC-TAO@mail.nasa.gov.